Crossword Genius

Way of paying hotel led by former empire-builders (2,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

in cash

'way of paying' is the definition.
(as in a cash payment)

'hotel led by former empire-builders' is the wordplay.
'hotel' becomes 'h' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'led by' means one lot of letters go next to another (some letters go in front of others).
'former empire-builders' becomes 'Incas' (as in the Inca Empire).
'h' put after 'incas' is 'IN CASH'.

(Another definition for in cash that I've seen is " with money".)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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